Our History

Brown Thomas is Ireland's most beautiful lifestyle store which offers an unparalleled retail experience...

1849

In almost every great city in the world, there is a store that has maintained it's magic over generations. A store which is as much an experience as a place to shop. A name that evokes thoughts of exclusivity and confidence. Brown Thomas in Ireland is such a store. Proud of it's heritage, and of it's people, Brown Thomas has had its foothold in Irish style since its inception in 1849. Opened by haberdashers and general drapers Hugh Brown and James Thomas on Grafton Street, the business flourished through generations and through different owners...almost immediately gaining a reputation - and a place in people's hearts.

1971

In 1971 and under threat if closure, Galen & Hilary Weston bought Brown Thomas and began the transformation into the prestigious store group that it is today.

1995

Brown Thomas became even more significant when it merged with, and developed new premises on the site of Switzers, another long established Grafton Street Department Store in 1995. Since then, other Brown Thomas group stores in Cork (formerly Cashes), Limerick (formerly Todds) and Galway (formerly Moons) have undergone major expansion and refurbishment, with rebranding of all stores complete in 2000.

1998

1998 saw the introduction of BT2, the ultimate fashion & lifestyle destination store on Grafton street, with more recent store openings in Blanchardstown Shopping centre (2004) and Dundrum Town Centre in 2005.

2005 - present day

In recent years, significant investment has been made in all stores, driving the vision of providing the ultimate customer experience. Through our internationally acclaimed and award winning window displays, renowned fashion shows, exclusive product launches and unique luxury boutiques - Brown Thomas is a destination for both Irish & International fashionistas - it proudly takes its place on the international stage of luxury retailing.

Brown Thomas is part of the Wittington Investment Group, a worldwide company specialising in retail excellence – consisting of Selfridges Group Limited in the United Kingdom, Holt Renfrew in Canada, and de Bijenkorf in The Netherlands.